Storage box

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a storage box that is easy to open and close and is easy to keep it open. The storage box includes a top panel, side walls, and a bottom. One of the side walls serves as a door and is adapted to swing about a first end connected with the bottom and serving as an axis into an opened position or a closed position. The side wall serving as the door is adapted to be fastened in a closed position by bringing a first fastening part and a second fastening part into contact with each other, the first fastening part being provided at a second end of the side wall serving as the door, the second end being located opposite the first end, the second fastening part being provided at a location other than the side wall serving as the door.

This Nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 on Patent Application No. 2016-056221 filed in Japan on Mar. 18, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a storage box.

BACKGROUND ART

The technique disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is known as a storage box that can be used with another storage box stacked on top of it and can be opened or closed in a stacked state. The storage box disclosed in Patent Literature 1 includes a flip-up lid and is arranged such that the lid of a lower storage box is secured to the lid of an upper storage box by magnets so that the lower storage box is kept open.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature [Patent Literature 1]

Publication of Japanese Registered Utility Model No. 3200229 (publication date: Sep. 9, 2015)

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

Unfortunately, the storage box disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is inconvenient to use because it is difficult to open the lid upward, for example, in a situation where the storage box is used at a high place. Besides, in order to keep the lid in an opened position in a situation where a storage box is singly used without another storage box stacked on top of it, a user needs to hold the lid with a hand. In such a case, the user cannot use both hands to take an object out of the storage box.

An aspect of the present invention has been accomplished in view of the above problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a storage box that is easy to open and close and is easy to keep it open.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problem, a storage box in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a storage box including a top panel; side walls; and a bottom, wherein one of the side walls serves as a door and is adapted to swing about a first end of the side wall serving as the door into an opened position or a closed position while increasing or decreasing a distance between a second end of the side wall serving as the door and one end of the top panel, the first end being connected with the bottom and serving as an axis, the second end being located opposite the first end, wherein the side wall serving as the door is adapted to be fastened in a closed position by bringing a first fastening part and a second fastening part into contact with each other, the first fastening part being provided at the second end of the side wall serving as the door, the second fastening part being provided at a location other than the side wall serving as the door.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, one of the side walls is adapted to swing about the first end connected with the bottom into an opened position or a closed position while increasing or decreasing a distance between the second end, located opposite the first end, and one end of the top panel. As such, for example, even in a situation where the storage box is used at a high place, the storage box is convenient to use. Besides, the side wall can be kept in an opened position without the need for a user to hold the side wall with a hand.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a storage box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with its one side wall opened.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the storage box, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, with its one side wall closed.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the storage box, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, with its top panel opened.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a storage box, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with its one side wall opened.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1

The following describes Embodiment 1 of an aspect of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a storage box, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with its one side wall opened. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the storage box, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, with its one side wall closed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the storage box, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, with its top panel opened.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a storage box 1 includes a top panel 2, side walls 3 and 4, and a bottom 5. The storage box 1 includes four side walls, one of which is the side wall 3. By opening and closing the side wall 3, an object can be taken in and out of the storage box 1.

The side wall 3 is adapted to swing about an end 3 a (first end) connected with the bottom 5 and serving as an axis. The side wall 3 is connected only with the bottom 5 and is not connected with the top panel 2 and two side walls 4 adjacent to the side wall 3. When the side wall 3 is swung about the end 3 a serving as an axis, a distance between an end 3 b (second end), located opposite the end 3 a, and one end of the top panel 2 is increased or decreased. This allows the side wall 3 to be opened or closed so that it serves as a door of the storage box 1. While the side wall 3 is closed, the side wall 3 is preferably in close contact with the top panel 2 in such a state that there is no distance between the side wall 3 and the one end of the top panel 2. However, a distance may be generated between the side wall 3 and the one end of the top panel 2 to such an extent that an object stored inside the storage box 1 does not come out of the storage box 1.

On an end 3 b side of the side wall 3, a first fastening part 6 is provided to keep the side wall 3 in close contact with the one end of the top panel 2. By bringing the first fastening part 6 into contact with a second fastening part 7, which is provided at a location other than the side wall 3, the end 3 b of the side wall 3 is brought into close contact with the one end of the top panel 2, so that the side wall 3 is fastened in a closed position. In the present embodiment, the second fastening part 7 is provided on a front lug 2 a, which is provided at the one end of the top panel 2.

The first fastening part 6 and the second fastening part 7 are provided in a pair. That is, the first fastening part 6 and the second fastening part 7 are provided at such positions so as to face each other when the end 3 a of the side wall 3 is brought into close contact with the one end of the top panel 2. In order to close the side wall 3, the side wall 3 is fastened to the one end of the top panel 2 by bringing the first fastening part 6 and the second fastening part 7 into contact with each other. Meanwhile, in order to open the side wall 3, the side wall 3 is pulled in such a direction that the end 3 b of the side wall 3 is moved away from the one end of the top panel 2 so that the first fastening part 6 and the second fastening part 7 are unfastened from each other, and the side wall 3 is released from the one end of the top panel 2.

The first fastening part 6 and the second fastening part 7 can be realized by, for example, magnets, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap button, or the like fastener. In the present embodiment, magnets are used as the first fastening part 6 and the second fastening part 7. The magnets, which have different poles, are separately provided on an inner surface of the side wall 3 and on an outer surface of the front lug 2 a of the top panel 2. The magnets are covered with pieces of cloth provided on the side wall 3 and on the front lug 2 a of the top panel 2. This allows the magnets to be invisible from outside even when the side wall 3 is opened and closed.

On an outer surface of the side wall 3, a tab 3 c is provided to pull the side wall 3 outward. The tab 3 c can be realized by a tongue with an eyelet in which a finger can be placed, a rope formed into a loop in which a finger can be placed, or the like. Alternatively, a hole passing through the side wall 3 may be provided so that a finger can be placed therein.

The top panel 2 has an end 2 c, which is connected with a side wall provided oppositely to the side wall 3. The top panel 2 is adapted to swing about the end 2 c that serves as an axis. The top panel 2 is connected only with the side wall provided oppositely to the side wall 3 and is not connected with the other adjacent side walls. When the top panel 2 is swung about the end 2 c serving as an axis, a distance between the one end, located opposite the end 2 c, and the end 3 b of the side wall 3 is increased or decreased. This allows the top panel 2 to be opened and closed so that it serves as another door of the storage box 1.

The side wall 3 further includes a coupling member 9 for preventing the side wall 3 in a closed position from being easily opened. The coupling member 9 can be realized by, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener. The coupling member 9 is used to join the side wall 3 in a closed position to the side walls 4, which are adjacent to the side wall 3 in a closed position. This prevents the side wall 3 from being opened under the weight of a stored object as a result of opening and closing of the top panel 2 or as a result of other event, and also allows the side wall 3 to be kept closed even when the side wall 3 is pulled outward accidentally.

The top panel 2 includes the front lug 2 a, provided at the one end of the top panel 2 on the side wall 3 side, extending in a plane direction of the side wall 3. Further, the top panel 2 includes two lateral lugs 2 b, provided at the opposite ends of the top panel 2 on sides of the two side walls 4 adjacent to the side wall 3, extending in plane directions of the two side walls 4. The lateral lugs 2 b are so provided as to be connected with the front lug 2 a.

While the top panel 2 is closed, the two lateral lugs 2 b of the top panel 2 are located on the outer surfaces of the two side walls 4, respectively, so that a part of the top panel 2 covers a corresponding part of the side wall 4. This prevents the top panel 2 from falling down to the inside of the storage box 1 even though a force of pushing the top panel 2 from above is exerted on the top panel 2, for example, in a situation where the storage box 1 is used with another storage box stacked on the top panel 2. Consequently, it is possible to increase the strength of the storage box 1, and it is also possible to maintain a form of the storage box 1.

While the top panel 2 is closed, there is a space behind the front lug 2 a. However, since the front lug 2 a is so provided as to be connected with the two lateral lugs 2 b, it is possible to prevent the front lug 2 a from entering the inside of the storage box 1. This allows the first fastening part 6 and the second fastening part 7 to be suitably brought into contact with each other when the side wall 3 is closed and placed on the front lug 2 a.

On the inner surfaces of the lateral lugs 2 b and on overlapped portions of the side walls 4 on which portions the lateral lugs 2 b are located, attachment members may be provided for allowing the lateral lugs 2 b and the side walls 4 to be brought into close contact with each other. Such attachment members can be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener, magnets, or the like.

Further, the storage box 1 includes a support member 8. The support member 8 is continuously provided along the one end of the top panel 2 and along respective ends of the two side walls 4 adjacent to the side wall 3 on the side wall 3 side. That is, the support member 8 can be a strut that is so provided as to extend along an opening formed in the storage box 1 when the side wall 3 is opened. With the support member 8, it is possible to increase the strength of the storage box 1 and to maintain the form of the opening formed when the side wall 3 is opened.

The support member 8 can be formed by bending, for example, a metallic rod-like member along the opening. Opposite end portions of the support member 8 on the bottom 5 side are partially bent along the bottom 5. The support member 8 is so mounted on the bottom 5 that the support member 8 can be swung about the bent portions of the support member 8 which bent portions serve as an axis. This allows the support member 8 to lie down on the bottom 5 as a result of swinging of the support member 8. This prevents the support member 8 from becoming a hindrance when the storage box 1 is folded. This also allows the support member 8 to stand upright. This enhances the ease of assembly of the storage box 1.

A swing portion of the support member 8 is preferably covered with a piece of cloth or the like in order to prevent the swing portion from becoming a hindrance when an object is taken in and out of the storage box 1 and from damaging a stored object. Further, a coupling member including, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener may be provided on the side walls 4 in order to keep the support member 8 in an upright position.

On the outer surfaces of the side walls 4, handles are provided for carrying the storage box 1. Further, the side walls 4 are adapted to swing about the respective ends of the side walls 4 on the bottom 5 side which respective ends serve as axes. In addition, the side walls 4 may be adapted to be bent inward at or near the centers thereof. This allows the storage box 1 to be folded by, while bending the side walls 4 inward, swinging the side walls 4 about the respective ends of the side walls 4 on the bottom 5 side, which respective ends serve as the axes, so that the side walls 4 lie on the bottom 5.

The bottom 5 is connected with all of the four side walls. An upper surface of the bottom 5, i.e., a surface that can contact an object stored in the storage box 1, is preferably formed of a smooth material for greater ease in taking an object in and out of the storage box 1.

The storage box 1 can be used with another storage box 1 vertically stacked on top of it. The storage box 1 may further include a coupling member, on the side wall provided oppositely to the side wall 3, for coupling vertically stacked storage boxes 1 to each other. Such a coupling member can be, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener. Pieces of hook-and-loop fastener may be provided in a pair on upper and lower ends of the side wall provided oppositely to the side wall 3, so that one piece of hook-and-loop fastener provided on an upper end of a lower storage box 1 can be attached to other piece of hook-and-loop fastener provided on a lower end of an upper storage box 1. With this structure, it is possible to prevent displacement of the vertically stacked storage boxes 1.

The storage box 1 can be formed by, for example, forming the side walls, top panel, and bottom from cloth-covered fiberboards, and then coupling cloth portions of the cloth-covered fiberboards so that the cloth-covered fiberboards are shaped into a box.

Note that FIG. 1 illustrates the storage box 1 placed on the floor with the side wall 3 opened and illustrates that the opened side wall 3 stays on the floor in such a state so as to be substantially perpendicular to the side walls 4. In another example case, assume that the storage box 1 is placed on a shelf. In this case, the side wall 3 is opened without stopping swinging and is hung down in a plumb direction in a completely opened position. As such, for example, even in a situation where the storage box 1 in use is placed on a shelf at a high position, the side wall 3 in the opened position does not become a hindrance when an object is taken in and out of the storage box 1. Moreover, due to gravitation, the side wall 3 is hung down in a plumb direction or stays on something such as a floor. Thus, the side wall 3 can be kept in the opened position without the need to hold the side wall 3 with a hand.

Embodiment 2

The following describes Embodiment 2 of an aspect of the present invention with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a storage box, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with its one side wall opened. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a storage box 10 differs from the storage box 1 in Embodiment 1 in that a second fastening part 11 is provided on the support member 8.

The second fastening part 11 is provided at such a position so as to face the first fastening part 6 when the end 3 a of the side wall 3 is brought into close contact with the one end of the top panel 2. For example, the second fastening part 11 is provided at two corners of the support member 8 on a portion of the support member 8 which portion extends along the one end of the top panel 2. Alternatively, the second fastening part 11 may be provided integrally with the support member 8.

ADDITIONAL REMARKS

An aspect of the present invention can be expressed as below.

A storage box in accordance with an aspect of the present invention is a storage box including a top panel; side walls; and a bottom, wherein one of the side walls serves as a door and is adapted to swing about a first end of the side wall serving as the door into an opened position or a closed position while increasing or decreasing a distance between a second end of the side wall serving as the door and one end of the top panel, the first end being connected with the bottom and serving as an axis, the second end being located opposite the first end, wherein the side wall serving as the door is adapted to be fastened in a closed position by bringing a first fastening part and a second fastening part into contact with each other, the first fastening part being provided at the second end of the side wall serving as the door, the second fastening part being provided at a location other than the side wall serving as the door.

With the above configuration, the side wall serving as the door is swung downward about its end which is connected with the bottom and serves as an axis. As such, for example, even in a situation where the storage box is used at a high place, the storage box is convenient to use. Besides, the side wall can be kept in an opened position without the need for a user to hold the side wall with a hand.

Further, a storage box in accordance with an aspect of the present invention may be such that the top panel includes a front lug, provided at the one end of the top panel on a side of the side wall serving as the door, extending in a plane direction of the side wall serving as the door, and the second fastening part is provided on the front lug.

The above configuration allows the side wall serving as the door to be easily opened and closed by increasing and decreasing a distance between the front lug of the top panel and the side wall serving as the door.

Still further, a storage box in accordance with an aspect of the present invention may be such that the top panel includes lateral lugs, provided at opposite ends of the top panel on sides of the two side walls adjacent to the side wall serving as the door, extending in plane directions of the two side walls, and the lateral lugs are so provided as to be located on respective outer surfaces of the two side walls and are so provided as to be connected with the front lug.

With the above configuration, the lateral lugs of the top panel are located on the outer surfaces of the side walls which are neither opened nor closed, so that a part of the top panel covers a corresponding part of the side wall. This prevents the top panel from being fallen down to the inside of the storage box. Consequently, it is possible to maintain a form of the storage box, and it is also possible to maintain the strength of the storage box.

Yet further, a storage box in accordance with an aspect of the present invention may be such that the top panel serves as a door and is adapted to swing about another end of the top panel into an opened position or a closed position while increasing and decreasing a distance between the one end of the top panel and the second end of the side wall serving as the door, the another end (i) being connected with the side wall provided oppositely to the side wall serving as the door, (ii) serving as an axis, and (iii) being located opposite the one end of the top panel.

The above configuration allows the top panel to be opened and closed so that an object can be taken in or out of the storage box from above.

Further, a storage box in accordance with an aspect of the present invention may further include: a support member being continuously provided along the one end of the top panel on a side of the side wall serving as the door and along respective ends of the two side walls adjacent to the side wall serving as the door on the side of the side wall serving as the door, the second fastening part being provided on a portion of the support member which portion extends along the one end of the top panel.

The above configuration allows the support member to maintain the strength of the storage box and to be used for fastening the side wall.

An aspect of the present invention is not limited to the descriptions of the Embodiments, but can be altered by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the claims. An embodiment derived from a proper combination of technical means disclosed in different embodiments is also encompassed in the technical scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1, 10 Storage box -   2 Top panel -   2 a Front lug -   2 b Lateral lug -   2 c End (axis) -   3 Side wall -   3 a End (axis) -   3 b End -   4 Side wall -   5 Bottom -   6 First fastening part -   7, 11 Second fastening part -   8 Support member 

1. A storage box comprising: a top panel; side walls; and a bottom, wherein one of the side walls serves as a door and is adapted to swing about a first end of the side wall serving as the door into an opened position or a closed position while increasing or decreasing a distance between a second end of the side wall serving as the door and one end of the top panel, the first end being connected with the bottom and serving as an axis, the second end being located opposite the first end, wherein the side wall serving as the door is adapted to be fastened in a closed position by bringing a first fastening part and a second fastening part into contact with each other, the first fastening part being provided at the second end of the side wall serving as the door, the second fastening part being provided at a location other than the side wall serving as the door.
 2. The storage box according to claim 1, wherein the top panel includes a front lug, provided at the one end of the top panel on a side of the side wall serving as the door, extending in a plane direction of the side wall serving as the door, and the second fastening part is provided on the front lug.
 3. The storage box according to claim 2, wherein the top panel includes lateral lugs, provided at opposite ends of the top panel on sides of the two side walls adjacent to the side wall serving as the door, extending in plane directions of the two side walls, and the lateral lugs are so provided as to be located on respective outer surfaces of the two side walls and are so provided as to be connected with the front lug.
 4. The storage box according to claim 1, wherein the top panel serves as a door and is adapted to swing about another end of the top panel into an opened position or a closed position while increasing and decreasing a distance between the one end of the top panel and the second end of the side wall serving as the door, the another end (i) being connected with the side wall provided oppositely to the side wall serving as the door, (ii) serving as an axis, and (iii) being located opposite the one end of the top panel.
 5. The storage box according to claim 1, further comprising: a support member being continuously provided along the one end of the top panel on a side of the side wall serving as the door and along respective ends of the two side walls adjacent to the side wall serving as the door on the side of the side wall serving as the door, the second fastening part being provided on a portion of the support member which portion extends along the one end of the top panel. 